In a New York pizza shop, Pulcinella is a struggling independent pizza maker. True to traditional commedia dell'arte, this contemporary spin on the classic form features a mix of scripted and spontaneous scenes, reflecting the current social and political pulse of the town in which the masked players are performing.

A unique theatrical experience that offers a contemporary take on a classic form of comedy on commedia dell'arte - the classic Italian style of theatre with masked actors performing comedic scenarios.

"It's hard to know who contributed what, especially because the cast is so skilled at improvising that it all seems like part of the script. I didn't look closely at my program before the show, so I was sure there were six to eight actors performing. It was only during the curtain call that I realized there were only four."
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"The multiple cooks have created a farrago of nonsense, wordplay, awkward situations, and bawdry that may approximate the Renaissance version. But Brain allows several scenes to go on too long. Even if it doesn’t all hang together, the audience seemed to have a roaring good time. If you appreciate scattershot, loosey-goosey comedy, then 'Commedia dell’Artichoke' may be to your taste."
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"If you’re in the mood for some bawdy laughs at the expense of others, 'Commedia dell’Artichoke' is the show for you. The writing is fun and flowing, showing the potential of intensely collaborative projects like this one...The seamless inclusion of improvisation throughout scripted scenes is a testament to the actors’ investment in the piece, and makes for a unique show every night."
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"Irreverent, salacious, and completely of the norm 'Commedia dell’Artichoke' is as original of a take on an old form as is topping a pizza with creamy artichokes...The mark of great theater of this variety is in the evening feeling more like a dialogue than a monologue. Audiences should leave feeling addressed, acknowledged, and performed for. When watching 'Commedia dell’Artichoke' you may deceive yourself into thinking the entire evening was tailor made for you only."
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"You are in for a treat. 'Commedia dell’ Artichoke' is a fast paced all-mask comedy about a pizza shop owner in NYC who is getting evicted because the landlord is raising the rent...The show shamelessly goes on any delightful tangent that the audience allows it to, and thats the ride you sign up for when you see 'Commedia dell’Artichoke.' But these tangents are vital and each seemly random bit is carefully crafted by these amazing and well-trained performers. "
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for a previous production
"This premise serves as a loosely guiding structure to have lots of stupid fun inside these ridiculous characters, challenging themselves to lazzi after lazzi...Light on plot but high on effort, this show is particular in its tastes. It’s a vehicle showcasing the possibilities of this theatrical form...If you are interested in the contemporary possibilities of commedia dell’arte, or you just like some entertainment with your slice, I encourage you to take part in this adventure."
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